Florists cut and arrange flowers into bouquets and other types of displays. According to a 2011 report by the Society of American Florists, floral retail sales in the U.S. generate $35.2 billion annually. Many florists work for retail stores, but according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics,about a third of these professionals are self-employed. As of 2012, the bureau also found that the average florist earns $11.35 per hour or $23,610 per year.

Salaries

As of 2012, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are 47,180 florists or floral designers in the U.S. The top 10 percent earn an average annual wage of $36,740, which amounts to $17.66 per hour. The lowest paid 10 percent of florists earn an hourly wage of $8.27, which equates to $17,200 per year. In a separate study, the Washington State Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board found that wage levels vary based on experience. As of 2012, the board found that newly qualified florists in the state earned an average monthly wage of $1,737, which amounts to an annual salary of $20,844. Their more experienced colleagues had average monthly wages of $2,590, which amounts to an annual salary of $31,080.

Employers

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2012, specialty florist stores employ 31,370 floral designers. The bureau expects employment opportunities in these stores to shrink by 29 percent between 2010 and 2020. The report also found grocery stores employ 6,870, florists. The bureau expects job opportunities at non-specialty retail stores such as grocery shops to increase by 8 percent between 2010 and 2020. A study by the Washington Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board, predicted that employment levels for florists in that state would decline by 0.5 percent annually beginning in 2010.

States

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2012, florists in New Jersey are the highest paid in the nation with an average hourly wage of $15.65, which amounts to an annual salary of $32,550. The next highest earners are in Maryland where florists have an average annual salary of $31,490. Florists earn the least in West Virginia. where the average florist makes just $18,660 per year. The lowest paid 10 percent of floral designers in the same state earn just $15,920 per year.

Urban Versus Rural

Across the nation as a whole, florists in urban areas typically earn more than their counterparts in rural locations. As of 2012, Bureau of Labor Statistics data reveals that florists in the New York, White Plains and Wayne metropolitan area are the highest paid in the country with average salaries of $34,580. Job opportunities in this region are also plentiful as 1,650 florists work in the area. The same report found that the highest paid rural florists are in North Central Colorado. These professionals have an average annual salary of $33,200, which is less than their counterparts in the five highest paid metropolitan areas.

About the Author

Ciaran John began writing in 1994 with contributions to "The Hourly Press" and "The Sawbridgeworth Observer," and has since written for many online and print publications. He has 12 years experience working for financial services companies as a business banker, lender and investment representative and spent four years working in human resources.

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